Quick change over apparatus for machine line

Abstract

A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.

1. A machine arrangement comprising:
 a necking machine for necking cans comprising:
 a turret arrangement comprising:
 a pivotal clamp member pivotally supported on a turret structure so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis; and 
 two opposite engagement portions on the pivotal member, wherein each engagement portion is configured to engage different interchangeable machine members supported on the turret structure and secure the interchangeable machine members on the turret structure. 
 
 
 
   
   
     2. A machine arrangement comprising:
 a necking machine for necking cans comprising:
 a turret arrangement comprising:
 a pivotal clamp member pivotally supported on a turret structure so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis; and 
 two engagement portions on the pivotal member configured to engage interchangeable machine members supported on the turret structure and secure the interchangeable machine members on the turret structure, and 
 
 
 further comprising a bolt rotatably received in a through bore formed in the pivotal member and configured to thread into a tapped bore formed in one of the turret structure and a clamp mounting bracket secured to the turret structure, the through hole being configured to allow pivotal movement of the bolt in a manner wherein an axis of the bolt is pivotal through an angle which lies on a plane normal to the pivot axis about which the pivotal member is pivotal. 
 
   
   
     3. A machine arrangement as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the engagement portions are arcuate engagement portions. 
   
   
     4. A machine arrangement as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the interchangeable machine members are cylindrical members peripheral portions of which are engaged by the arcuate engagement portions. 
   
   
     5. A machine arrangement comprising:
 a necking machine for necking cans comprising:
 a turret arrangement comprising:
 a pivotal clamp member pivotally supported on a turret structure so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis; and 
 two engagement portions on the pivotal member configured to engage interchangeable machine members supported on the turret structure and secure the interchangeable machine members on the turret structure, 
 
 
 wherein the interchangeable machine members are cylindrical members peripheral portions of which are engaged by the arcuate engagement portions, and 
 wherein the cylindrical members are can necking dies and the turret structure comprises a die block of the turret of the can necking machine. 
 
   
   
     6. A machine arrangement as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the cylindrical members are disposed adjacent one another. 
   
   
     7. A machine arrangement as set forth in  claim 5 , further comprising a detent configured to hold the pivotal member in a pivoted position.